Cardinals went 20-3-4 last year

By Chris Miller-Prep Sports Writer

Published: Friday, March 1, 2013 at 09:30 AM.

“That’s a big goal for us,” she said.

The Cardinals have come close to a state crown.

Jacksonville
advanced to the East Regional final in 2010 and 2011, only to fall short. Last year, the Cardinals were 20-3-4 overall, shared the Coastal 3-A Conference title with White Oak, but lost to the eventual state champion Vikings in the regional semifinals.

“I think its been on their minds,” Miller said. “We were so close and got knocked out last year by them (WOHS) and they went on to win it. I think that’s going to eat at the girls a little bit.”

Added Stenclik: “It kind of pushes us to work harder in practice.”

The Cardinals will need to work hard this season if they want to win a lot of games.
Jacksonville
faces a tough schedule that includes Hoggard, T.C. Roberson, Hough and Swansboro, in addition to two conference games against White Oak.

Jacksonville
plays host to Hoggard tonight at 7 p.m. in the
Battle
at the Beach showcase.

The Jacksonville girls’ soccer team has a little more incentive this season.

The Cardinals typically have one of the area’s strongest teams and the program usually has in mind a conference title and a deep postseason run each year.

However, the Cardinals this season have more motivation than ever before, given the Jacksonville boys’ team won the NCHSAA 3-A championship in the fall.

“I know with the guys winning it, the girls are pretty motivated,” said coach Dave Miller, who guided the Jacksonville boys to their second state crown in November. “They have set their sights on getting a state championship.”

Seniors Meredith McCarthy and Krysten Stenclik agreed that the success of the boys’ team fuels the JHS girls’ team this spring.

“I was at the (state championship game) and it made me really want to bring it home again,” McCarthy said. “We want to give Miller two championships in a row.”

Stenclik, a two-year starting goalkeeper, concurred.

“That’s a big goal for us,” she said.

The Cardinals have come close to a state crown.

Jacksonville advanced to the East Regional final in 2010 and 2011, only to fall short. Last year, the Cardinals were 20-3-4 overall, shared the Coastal 3-A Conference title with White Oak, but lost to the eventual state champion Vikings in the regional semifinals.

“I think its been on their minds,” Miller said. “We were so close and got knocked out last year by them (WOHS) and they went on to win it. I think that’s going to eat at the girls a little bit.”

Added Stenclik: “It kind of pushes us to work harder in practice.”

The Cardinals will need to work hard this season if they want to win a lot of games. Jacksonville faces a tough schedule that includes Hoggard, T.C. Roberson, Hough and Swansboro, in addition to two conference games against White Oak.

Jacksonville plays host to Hoggard tonight at 7 p.m. in the Battle at the Beach showcase.

“Every nonconference team we play is ranked in the state,” Miller said. “It gives the girls some exposure and we get quality competition.”

Despite the tough schedule, the Cardinals are confident.

“I’m very confident,” McCarthy said. “This is my senior year and it’s my last chance. I’m confident we will have a good team and I’m excited.”

McCarthy added that finishing scoring chances is one thing Jacksonville needs to improve on from last year.

The Cardinals have been trying to work on that, plus other things, but practice has been limited because of rain.

“It’s been hit and miss with the weather,” said Miller, adding 10 players return with starting experience return this season. “It’s kind of frustrating not really being able to go with the wet fields. I feel we are a little behind from where we need to be. But it’s a long season and hopefully we will be all right.”